Signbox provides branding for stylish refurbishment of Paternoster House

Signbox has collaborated with interior designer Resonate Interiors to implement an eye-catching refurbishment of the commercial reception area at the Paternoster House office complex in Paternoster Square, City of London. The architectural sign specialist was fundamental in executing a challenging signage project that has greatly enhanced the property’s conspicuousness in a historic area within the British capital.

Located adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral, managing agent Savills commissioned the job on behalf of Paternoster House’s owner, Commerzbank. The brief was to create a more inspiring and visually attractive reception area which had greater presence from the street, explains Pernille Stafford, Resonate Interiors’ Managing Director.

“The brief was two-fold. Firstly, we needed to modernise the interior of the reception, which was dated and gloomy. It featured a dark and busy red marble floor that, when combined with the inappropriate layout, was detrimental to the visitor experience. Secondly, the entrance lacked presence in a busy area. We had to devise a holistic design that both addressed these issues and simultaneously capitalised on and blended with the prestigious location and its surroundings.”

The pallet of the design was minimal and stylish, with the use of timber, copper and grey stone. Paying homage to one of the most famous and recognisable sites in the world, Pernille and her team incorporated the cathedral into the design, using a printed glass graphic depicting the inside of the building’s iconic dome. The vivid colours of the glass manifestation juxtapose with the light cream interior brickwork and neutral grey tile floor. In addition, a new light raft was installed to lift the area’s natural space. However, in order to meet the brief, it was vital that the interior was supported by the exterior design.

Stafford says:

“We needed a signage solution that was not only attention grabbing in a tasteful way, but that worked in sympathy with the current architecture. For this, we required a specialist who understood the deft touch required to implement signage that respects a building’s environment. Having worked with Signbox before, we knew that the company could create an innovative solution that would add the final flourish to the whole design, marrying the elements and finishes used by our joiners.”

Signbox developed a prominent LED illuminated portal sign that was to sit comfortably within the brick arches that led to the reception. This required a great deal of finesse and meticulous attention to detail as not to impend on the existing architecture of the building, while simultaneously adhering to colour reference points and copper detailing that was set out by Resonate Interiors.

The installation – which could only be carried out when St Paul’s Cathedral was closed – also required Signbox to manufacture a bespoke tenant directory. For this, the signage specialist used quartered fumed larch veneer with copper painted laser-cut lettering to match the portal sign, which aligned with the clean and minimalist design.

Stafford concludes:

“This project was all about getting the details perfect while maximising on a limited budget and space to optimum effect. Signbox provided an exemplary service and was fundamental in helping the detail on this project really sing.”

Mark Bartlett, Managing Director, Signbox added:

“We really thrive in projects such as these. Taking into consideration the heritage of the area and the incredible local architecture, there was no room for error. Our copper-bottomed approach ensured that we exceeded the expectations with both Pernille and her client. This project was all about the details, from matching the palette tones to ensuring the installation was finished on time. It’s a wonderful addition to our growing London portfolio.”

Signbox’s bespoke tenant directory

Signbox’s LED illuminated portal sign

The new commercial reception area at Paternoster House

Signbox’s LED illuminated portal sign with St Paul’s Cathedral in the background